Dogs are welcomed warmly throughout Italy, with access to many restaurants, cafes, shops, and public transportation (trains, buses, metros). Dedicated "Bau Beaches" allow swimming, while cities like Rome and regions like Tuscany offer high pet-friendliness. Always carry a muzzle and leash, as they are often required in public.
Pet dogs are allowed in most public places, including most tourist attractions. If you are travelling to Italy on holiday or moving to Italy, you and your pooch will love the pet-friendly beaches, vacation villas in beautiful Tuscany, and the many dog-friendly tourist sites in the country.
Can I take my dog on holiday to Italy from the UK?
Rabies vaccinations for travel to Italy
For the AHC to be granted, there must be evidence of the rabies vaccination so ensure this is administered by your vet as soon as possible. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before having any rabies vaccination and can only travel after 21 days after having the vaccine.
Boutiques, grocery stores, pharmacies, bookshops—dogs stroll through them all. Many storefronts proudly display signs that read Cani Benvenuti (“Dogs welcome”), signaling a culture that sees dogs not as inconveniences but as valued members of the community.
281/1991 prohibits killing stray dogs and cats unless the animal is affected by an incurable disease or is a proven danger (Article 2(2), 2(9)), and this can be performed only by a veterinarian.
Italy's aviation authority, ENAC, has updated its guidelines to allow dogs over the typical 8–10 kg limit to fly in the cabin with their owners, instead of being automatically sent to the cargo hold. For many travelers, this is a long-awaited shift that recognizes pets as family members, not luggage.
Some shops will tolerate dogs but won't necessarily go out of their way to make your dog feel welcome. Others are truly dog-friendly, offering water bowls, treats, and plenty of fuss. Due to food hygiene regulations, supermarkets aren't dog-friendly. Most places that serve food also don't allow dogs indoors.
Today, however, it is increasingly accepted and widespread; many restaurants, like ours, are always willing to prepare them and, in fact, encourage customers to ask if they want to take something home. So, the next time you go to a restaurant, don't be afraid to ask for the doggy bag.
The beaches are really a lot and they are glad to welcome your dog: some of them have free access. They are bathing facilities with a few rules to follow. On those beaches all dogs with a health certificate can access. It's almost always allowed to bath and, on some beaches, there are even activities to do together.
The answer is yes: dogs are allowed in the Pompeii ruins, as long as you follow a few simple rules. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, and if they are large or considered potentially dangerous, they must also wear a muzzle.
A dog of any size can travel (with a muzzle and leash) on Espressi (Express), IC and ICN trains in both first and second-class. On regional trains, dogs must sit in the aisles or go on the last carriage.
Do you have to walk your dog three times a day in Italy?
🐶 In Turin, dog owners are required to walk their pets at least three times a day! Italy takes pet welfare seriously—so if you're planning to have a pup in Rome, daily strolls aren't optional!
Therefore, cats and dogs can travel from the United States to Italy as long as they have the following: A valid Veterinary Certificate (stating owners details, a description of the animal, details of identification and vaccinations) A valid rabies vaccine.
Tuscany is the ideal holiday destination for dog owners and their faithful companions. With the long beaches and vast landscapes there is plenty of space to have amazing walks and explore the beautiful region. There are a few things to consider to making a holiday with your dog become an unforgettable experience.
The 7-second rule for dogs is a simple test for hot pavement: place the back of your hand on the surface; if you can't comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws and can cause burns, so walk on grass or at cooler times of day instead. This prevents painful paw pad injuries, especially on asphalt and concrete that get much hotter than the air temperature.
We would like to remind you that in Italy it is mandatory to use: A muzzle for dogs that walk on the streets or any other open space without a leash; A muzzle and a leash for dogs in public places and public transportation (article 83 of D.P.R. 320/54 of the Veterinary Police Regulations).
Only in Italy, you can be fined $650 if you don't walk your dog at least three times a day. The rule exists for one reason: to make sure dogs get the exercise, stimulation, and happiness they need to stay healthy. Italy treats neglect not as an “oops,” but as a serious welfare issue.
Italian Law No. 104 of February 5, 1992, aims to guarantee the freedom and independence of persons with disabilities, promoting their full integration into family, work, and social life.
On 9 February 2004, the Italian legislature enacted Law No. 40, aiming to address reproductive issues stemming from human sterility or infertility [1,2]. While the law ostensibly sought to ensure equal rights for all parties involved in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) (Art.
Dog owners must always carry a muzzle with them, just in case they have to use it. Requirements for pet owners in Italy: It is obligatory for dogs to be registered in the Anagrafe Canina (dog registry) with their microchip identification.
